by B. Lee

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

If you've ever had a weight problem you know how frustrating it
is trying to lose weight. Whether you need to lose 5 pounds or
50 pounds this article is for you. It's no secret that millions
are turning to expensive diet clubs, gyms, and health spa's to
take off the pounds. Following this course will drain your
wallet. And what if the results are minimal? Your
frustration escalates along with the excess pounds.

Remember, no diet plan will succeed unless you approach it with
a positive mindset. Once you leap that hurdle you are
on your way to achieving your weight loss goals. So rev up
that positive attitude before you get started. And don't
let concerned friends or family sway you from your path.

Most Diet Experts recommend you lose weight slowly. Why? Slow weight loss
is healtheir, less stressful, to your body. Plus weight lost
at a slower pace tends to be permanent. Follow these tips
in this article to help you lose weight slowly without really trying.

1.Cut out all fried food. Eat healthier. Avoid fried foods which are
known to cause high cholesterol, extra weight, only
to name a few problems. Instead bake your meals.

2. No more fast food. Quit or lower your fast food consumption. Fast
food is laden with high calories. One whopper size hamburger at
a fast food joint totals well over 1,000 calories. Check menu's
for healthier lower calorie alternatives.

3. Low Calorie Drinks. Instead of higher calorie soda,
drink low calorie version. Or instead of high calorie regular milk
drink 1 percent or 2 percent milk to save calories.

4. Substitue. Substitute high calorie snack foods for their low
calorie counterpart. Instead of a bowl of ice cream have sherbert or
a frozen popcicle. Instead of a high calorie danish have a small plain
vanilla cupcake or low calorie cookie.

5. Eating out. When eating out select low calorie items from the
menu.

6. Reduce Alcohol. Switch to an occasional light beer or wine
spritzer with plenty of ice and club soda instead of the higher
calorie liquor drinks.

7. Exercise. Go for a walk every day. This is easy to work into most
daily schedules. Walk during your lunch break at work.
Or take a brisk walk after dinner. Put on comfortable walking shoes. Walk for
15 minutes in one direction away from home. Then turn around and
walk back home. You've just exercised for 30 minutes. Now, wasn't that
just too easy?

8. Get moving. Walk up the steps instead of taking the elevator.
Park further away from work to get in more exercise.

9. Dance your pants off. That's right. Turn on the radio and dance
like crazy to your favorite songs for 10 or 15 minutes a day. Try to work
up to 30 minutes or more in one session. This is fun, builds stamina, is heart
healthy, and will help you lose weight or keep the weight off.

10. Drink more water. FDA Researchers state about 8 glasses a day is required.
The no calorie water will fill you up, maintain proper hydration, plus help
reduce snacking.

11. Get a diet buddy. And lose weight together. A little friendly competition
will often motivate you to succeed.

12. Visualize. Every day for about 10 minutes sit in comfy chair visualize
yourself at your weight goal. Walking confidently and proudly. Feeling energized.
Many successful dieters say visualizing your successful weight loss really works.

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